Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups cooked and seasoned ground beef; 1/4 cup cream of mushroom soup; 1/4 cup cream of cheddar cheese soup; 4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 small onion, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: garlic powder, paprika, parsley

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the kind of dish I turn to when I need a cozy, hearty dinner that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s a layered bake that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich, velvety soup bases into one warm and comforting casserole the whole table devours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and makes enough to feed a crowd or leave me with satisfying leftovers. The combination of ground beef and potatoes is classic, and the creamy soups melt into the layers, giving it that comforting, almost nostalgic feel I always crave in a casserole.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 to 4 cups cooked and seasoned ground beef
1/4 cup cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup cream of cheddar cheese soup
4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder, paprika, parsley

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned and cooked through. I season it with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and milk until smooth.
I layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
I spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour some of the soup mixture over the top.
I sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese before repeating the layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and more cheese on top.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
I remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
I let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for ground turkey. I’ve also layered in frozen peas or corn for added texture and color. For extra flavor, I sprinkle paprika on top before baking or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. It reheats really well, and the flavors are even better the next day. This casserole also freezes nicely before baking—just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use raw potatoes?

Yes, I always slice them thin so they cook evenly. Thinner slices (about 1/8 inch) work best for tenderness.

What if I don’t have cream of cheddar soup?

I double the cream of mushroom and add more shredded cheddar cheese. It still turns out creamy and delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it the day before and refrigerate. I add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. I freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Can I add veggies to the casserole?

Yes, I often mix in peas, corn, or green beans to make it more of a full meal. Just make sure they’re cooked or thawed first.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is one of those dependable, crowd-pleasing dishes that always delivers comfort. With its layers of beef, tender potatoes, and creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s a meal I can rely on when I want something warm, hearty, and easy to prepare. Whether I’m feeding my family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a delicious classic that never goes out of style.